Blockchain technologies and digital assets can become a major driver of innovation within a secure, transparent, and predictable business environment, and it is crucial for Latvia to capitalize on this.
“Web3 and blockchain companies can contribute to Latvia's export capacity and the creation of high-value-added jobs. Therefore, we are working to improve the transparency of licensing processes, promote dialogue between regulators and the industry, and support an innovation testing environment,” noted Minister of Economics Viktors Valainis on Wednesday, April 1, while participating in the UN:BLOCK 2026 conference panel discussion "Do politicians support the crypto and blockchain sector in Latvia?". On Thursday, April 2, the Minister opened the second day of the conference.
The UN:BLOCK 2026 conference is a major international event bringing together industry founders, regulators, investors, and experts. The theme of the event is blockchain innovation and the development of financial technologies. This year, on April 1 and 2, it is taking place in Riga at Hanzas Perons, gathering more than 2,500 participants, 100 speakers, and 400 companies from over 40 countries. The conference discusses the latest digital asset solutions, regulatory trends, and the impact of technology on the global financial system. The event is particularly significant for entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers seeking to understand and harness the potential of Web3—the next generation of the web where data, identity, and digital assets belong to the users themselves rather than centralized platforms.
“It is vital that Latvia not only follows the development of digital assets but also actively creates an environment where these companies choose to grow. We already have strong foundations—a well-ordered financial supervision system, a growing startup ecosystem, and access to the European market. The next step is to purposefully utilize this potential by attracting Web3 and blockchain companies that create high added value, exportable services, and new competencies within the Latvian economy,” emphasized Ieva Jāgere, Director of the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA).
At the European level, the MiCA (Markets in Crypto-Assets) regulation is already in force, establishing clear and uniform rules for digital asset service providers. Latvia is purposefully implementing it, ensuring a predictable and understandable regulatory environment for entrepreneurs. This direction is further supported by international recognition—in the latest MONEYVAL evaluation, Latvia was recognized as a country with an effective and well-coordinated system for preventing financial crimes, which strengthens trust and reputation in the eyes of international investors. Simultaneously, Latvia is actively moving toward the practical implementation of MiCA; the licensing process is underway, and the first companies have already received MiCA licenses, demonstrating the country's ability to quickly adapt to the new regulation and become one of the regional leaders in attracting digital asset and Web3 companies.
The conference program is divided into two parallel stages: one dedicated to the blockchain and Web3 ecosystem, and the other to financial technologies and the traditional banking sector. This format allows for an in-depth look at each industry's challenges, regulations, innovations, and future development directions. The event is supported by industry giants such as Mastercard, Kraken, TANGANY, and others.
The event is funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) project "Support for the Improvement of the Technology Transfer System".
